Regarding Cockatoo Vic as well as surrounding local suburbs: Emerald, Avonsleigh, Macclesfield, Nangana, Gembrook, Clematis, Mount Burnett, Pakenham Upper and The Greater Dandenong Ranges.

As a local resident and business owner in Cockatoo VIC, Australia, I have experienced firsthand the devastating impact of prolonged power outages. Our area has again been without power for seven days or more for the second time in just two years,  This is simply not acceptable.

The cost to small businesses is immense - stock losses, replacement costs, loss of income - and it's not just the businesses that suffer. The local staff they hire also bear the brunt of these outages. We are a community that has fought hard to survive through COVID-19 only to face another challenge that threatens our livelihoods.

It's crucial for us to ensure an ongoing supply of electricity and phone services during these prolonged power outages. These are essential services we rely on daily - for communication, security, health care needs and so much more.

According to data from Australian Energy Regulator (AER), there were 172 prolonged outages affecting over 50 customers each across Victoria in 2019-20 alone (source: AER Annual Report). This shows how widespread this issue is across our state.

We call on our local government representatives and service providers to take immediate action. We need infrastructure improvements and contingency plans put in place now before another outage strikes us again.

Please sign this petition if you believe in safeguarding our community against further hardship caused by prolonged power outages.